[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 146 (Friday, August 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING DUVAL COUNTY JUDGE GILBERTO URESTI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 13, 2021

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former 
Duval County Judge, Gilberto Uresti, for his service to Duval County 
and South Texas.
  Judge Uresti was born on March 12, 1935, in Kingsville, Texas, to 
Elijio Uresti and Maria Munoz. He grew up in Benavides, Texas and 
graduated from Benavides High School as the Salutatorian in 1954. After 
high school, Judge Uresti obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Pharmacy 
from the University of Texas at Austin. Upon graduation, Judge Uresti 
moved back to Benavides and worked at DeLeon Pharmacy for over forty 
years, eventually becoming part owner. During this time Judge Uresti 
married Maria Olga Carrillo, his high school sweetheart, and had four 
children: Aaron Rene, Belinda Marie, Patricia Annette, and Gilbert 
Mario.
  Judge Uresti was appointed to serve as the Duval County Judge on 
October 31, 1975, by the judge of the 197th District Court, Judge 
Darrell Hester. During his tenure as County Judge, Judge Uresti focused 
on tackling the rampant corruption in Duval County which had bankrupt 
the local government. His efforts to improve the county's stature and 
financial standing earned Uresti three terms as Duval County Judge, 
from October 31, 1975 to December 31, 1986, and from January 1, 1991 to 
December 31, 1994.
  Judge Uresti gained recognition not only from his peers throughout 
South Texas, but from the National Association of Counties. His 
dedication to his community and conviction to follow through on 
commitments made him one of the most influential figures in South 
Texas. During and following his appointment, Duval County saw the 
creation of community centers, new parks, nutritional services for the 
elderly, housing rehabilitation programs, and a Youth Conservation 
Corps. Under Judge Uresti's leadership, Duval County was eventually 
voted Top County in the Nation by the National Association of Counties.
  In addition to his accomplishments as a County Judge, he also served 
as Chairman of the Coastal Bend Council of Governments, a member of the 
Governor's Regional Review Committee, Chairman of the Community Action 
Council of South Texas, and a member of the National Association of 
Counties Board of Directors.
  Madam Speaker, Judge Uresti is an incredible leader and unwavering 
commitment to South Texans who will be remembered for generations to 
come. He is a man of his word, intelligent and disciplined, who treated 
people with respect and took responsibility. I stand here today to 
thank Judge Uresti for his contributions to Duval County and all of 
South Texas

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